Real world job? Yes. In journalism? No.

"Four years of a major problem," written by John Gats and Tony DiTommaso, was published by the Bulletin on Aug. 31. It prompted a good amount of feedback online, discussing a topic that is both worthwhile and debatable and, as someone who grew accustomed to an outpouring of negative feedback to my own published opinions, I wanted to address their point of view.

To those students who were offended or taken aback by their words, calm down. It's not like the majority of you are digging through your own pockets to find a way to pay for your own education at a private, Jesuit college. And besides, was it not the most famous college student of our time, Van Wilder, who dutifully warned us not to take life so seriously, or else we would never get out alive?

Though I'm not on board with the writers on every point, many of their arguments ring true, especially for a recent graduate like myself who is experiencing first-hand the worth of a college degree. Five months after walking out of the Spokane Arena and leaving the city for the last time, I can open up my diploma and have a rush of emotions flow over me. I see the word "Bachelor's" and feel a sense of pride. At the sight of the word "Arts" shortly thereafter, I start to get nervous. Then I scroll down and see the end-all-be-all staring me in the face: "Journalism." At that point, all hope is lost.

Luckily enough, a month ago I did stumble upon gainful employment (aka not at a newspaper), and since then I have been able to begin to experience what it is to live in the "real world." Maybe it just hasn't set in yet, but so far it really doesn't suck that much.

After you leave the wonder of Gonzaga's fresh brown grass, sub-zero temperatures and outrageously awesome yearly concerts, there are three main routes most students take: grad school, volunteering or just a good old-fashioned American job.

Grad school is viewed as the coward's way out for those who are too immature to face reality. Service is just hippie nonsense. And if you do go get a job you still won't be as cool as you would be if you had a cardboard sign, an Odwalla and a "can't do" attitude while occupying a street of your choosing. Any way you go, you lose.

In all reality, grad school isn't like college. In grad school, you actually have to be incredibly smart in order to succeed. Finding and succeeding in a job takes patience, diligence and a drive to move on from being educated in order to start living life in the realm you will exist in from now until retirement. And I have more respect for the people I know who joined service organizations than I do for those who chose any of the other routes. 

But, in an effort to do my part in preparing upcoming graduates, the following are examples of some absolute truths of life after college:

-"The sun came up today" is no longer a valid excuse to open a beer.

-Pajama pants and a tank top are not considered acceptable attire on a weekday.

-While you can avoid choosing an 8 a.m. class, it is next-to-impossible to avoid choosing an 8 a.m. job. 

-While a college student going to prom with their high school girlfriend is frowned upon, a college graduate going to prom with their high school girlfriend is a felony.

-If you are out of college and are still really into lacrosse, you will see your number of friends start to dwindle.

-Everything you need in order to survive is not within walking distance.

-When you go to a family party it is hard to decide whether you belong outside playing with the kids or inside talking with the adults.

-It is really frustrating trying to come up with Halloween costume ideas that don't automatically qualify you as a big weirdo.

However, the one thing that you start to learn very quickly is that when you leave a college campus, the number of unintelligent people that surround you begins to skyrocket. Being in college, graduating from college and teaching college all assume a certain level of intelligence. Branch out of that safe zone and that level no longer exists. And that, John and Tony, is why you will come to appreciate your degree, no matter what your concentration was. Being educated and intelligent people, as I know firsthand you both are, will serve you well down the road. And that will be evidenced by your "framed receipt," which at some point you will definitely be thankful you have in your pocket.